Santa Rosa’s Howarth Park is popular with many of the locals. The hiking trails around Lake Ralphine connect to Spring Lake, another favorite local spot to enjoy the outdoors. When we lived here, we spent lots of time at both of these parks. Every […]
All posts tagged: Northern California
Zunday Zen … The Magical Redwood Forest
Sequoia sempervirens the world’s tallest, living trees. There’s not much one can say about these incredibly beautiful, long-lived, resilient, fire-resistant and evergreen sky scraping giants! Even on a warm day the air within the forest stays reasonably cool. There’s really nothing else quite like it! […]
California Road Trip 2018 … Tales of Gravensteins, the West County and a Political Babe
Sonoma County is a unique place. On the westside, Highway 12 and Occidental Road run parallel to each other between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, with peaceful countryside in between the two roads: grassy pastures dotted with gnarly old oaks and grazing cattle, egrets and herons […]
California Road Trip 2018 … Hiking Howarth Park
One morning during my visit to Santa Rosa I met my friend Trish for breakfast at the East West Restaurant across from Howarth Park. I remember when they were located at the corner of Sonoma Avenue and Farmers Lane. The menu hasn’t changed much since […]
California Road Trip 2018 … On the Wing in Bodega Bay
graceful great egret coasting on a summer breeze briny shallows below. Bodega Bay, Bodega Head, Doran Beach and numerous hiking trails in the area make for great bird watching! Especially if you can make it out there during the week when there’s not as much traffic. […]
California Road Trip 2018 … Getting there!
On my way to California this July, I spent the first night in Ashland. This small town is about halfway point between Portland and Santa Rosa. The entire distance is around 650 miles, one way. While it’s possible to drive it all in one day, […]
Happy Friday from scenic Bodega Head!
During all the years we lived in Sonoma County, California, I rarely missed stopping off at Bodega Head, anytime we went to nearby Doran Beach. I still love this spot and still stop here every time I come back to Sonoma County. Bodega Head is […]
Zunday Zen … Bluebirds at Sunset
“Want to look for bluebirds at sunset?” How could I resist? Meandering along a trail, through endless meadows … Golden Hour’s magic in plain sight. Just behind the bend, a Townsend’s Solitaire appears. Quietly, we approach. Off he goes … and so do we … […]
Zunday Zen … Espresso or Cappuccino?
One Sunday morning we tried to shoo A pesky loud peacock all dressed in blue. We were thinking “What the heck Is he doing on our deck!?!” “Go on”, we laughed, “This coffee’s not for you!”
Sun and Fun at the Sonoma County Fair
This summer, while visiting California, I got to enjoy the county fair with Rosalie and Ellya. One morning, the three of us climbed into the car and off we went! It was hot, the lines were long, but the excitement of seeing all the art, quilting, animal, […]
Farmers Markets, Cinnamon Rolls and, Yes! I am the boys’ mother …
While living in Windsor, California many years ago, the community started a weekly Farmers Market. Sunday mornings, rain or shine, my friend and I would meet on the Windsor Town Green. There were maybe around 4 or 5 growers selling their produce. The selection was limited, […]
The Natural Wonders of the Laguna de Santa Rosa
My annual road trip to California always takes me back to Sonoma County. Having lived there for many years, it still feels like home every time I visit. The area has grown quite a bit, since we left more than twelve years ago. I still […]
Lost in Thought at Spring Lake Park
There’s nothing like visiting a great friend! One, with whom I can sip a glass of bubbly under the stars, go on lots of different nature hikes, share falafel wraps and sweet potato fries at East West Cafe, call when I’m feeling blue and call when […]
in cahoots with muddy boots 